Healthcare in France: The French Pharmacie

I am feeling a bit under the weather right now, so it seems like a good time to discuss the French health care system. Overall, I’ve had great experiences and it has been a lot easier (and more reasonable) to deal with than the US one. I’ve heard the French complaints about the system phrased as “people living in Heaven, but acting like they’re in Hell,” which I take to mean that people will complain a lot, but the system is in fact very good.

French pharmacies are a unique blend of a beauty store and a doctor's office, really, offering not just pharmaceuticals but also regulated over-the-counter products like cosmetics and dietary supplements. Nothing is delivered in nameless prescription bottles, as in the US, but in their own original packaging. Also, pharmacists often note the prescribed dosage on each medicine as they provide it to you, which is very helpful overall.

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The pharmacy is also the only place you will find medicines of all types. There is not a pharmacy section in supermarkets or convenience stores for even basic meds, like pain killers. They also have an amazing selection of highly effective herbal meds, which constantly surprise me.

Stringent regulations, extensive training, and the prohibition of online sales for prescription drugs, also make this very different than American pharmacies. Only certified pharmacists are allowed to own pharmacies in France, for example, meaning that the greatest number are also owned locally.

Prescription Medicines in France

Prescription medication is a straightforward process. Following a doctor's visit, you'll be provided with une ordonnance, detailing the prescribed medication and dosage.

Hospitals also typically lack pharmacies, but they can suggest a local one. Keep in mind that pharmacies often close during lunch hours but usually remain open until 18:30 or later.

For emergencies, locate the pharmacie de garde, which has longer hours and is open on Sundays. Our closest one is way downtown, and it seems incredibly busy. Our local one is much nicer and easier to deal with overall.

Carte Vitale and your account information

I pay cash (or credit card) right now as I don’t have my Carte Vitale – although I hope it will be arriving shortly. As a result, my pharmacist doesn’t have that much information on me but seems to rely more on familiarity to help me out.

While prescriptions can be filled at any pharmacy, opting for your local one, especially for repeat prescriptions, saves time. Once registered, subsequent visits will require minimal information. Many people have long-standing relationships with their pharmacist, just as they would with any other doctor.

Normally, I would have registered with my local pharmacie, including my Carte Vitale and any additional insurance I might have. This is then attached to your account when you show up and many medications are quite reasonable or even free with the Carte Vitale, although this depends.

French Pharmacies: all meds in one place - and only one place

French pharmacies operate differently than those in the US. Medications, from vitamins to plasters (band-aids), can only be purchased at pharmacies. Paracetamol (ibuprofen, Tylenol, etc.), known as Doliprane in France, is exclusive to pharmacies and it is prescribed for almost everything.

I can’t think of a single situation where I’ve gone to the pharmacists where they didn’t suggest that I buy Doliprane along with it. When I was recovering from eye surgery, which was actually extremely painful in the first days: Doliprane. That’s it.

Visiting the Pharmacy: Essential French Vocabulary

It’s a busy place and a bit of French is very necessary. I have used translation tools in a pinch, while the rest of the line waited, awkwardly, but I got what I needed.

J'ai une ordonnance de mon médecin.

I have a prescription from my doctor.

J'ai des maux de tête fréquents et le médecin m’a prescrit des médicaments.

I have frequent headaches, and the doctor prescribed medicine.

Je viens de subir une opération aux yeux. Existe-t-il quelque chose de plus fort que le Doliprane?

I just had eye surgery. Is there anything stronger than Doliprane?

To my knowledge, there is not. At least not without a specific prescription.

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